Chapter three
~ADRIAN~
“Maybe she can move in with you while I’m away. Temporarily,” Ethan suggests. My mind reels. What the fuck?
“You want Elana to move in here?” I’m sure he hears the disbelief in my voice.
“I know it’s a very serious request, and I don’t want to push it, but I don’t want this prick harassing her even more once I leave. I don’t know what he’s capable, especially when I’ll be so far away.”
“Give me a second, Ethan.” As loud as my mind screams, fuck no, I have to agree with Ethan.
Leaving Elana exposed to whatever that fucker from her college is thinking of doing is out of the question.
I run a hand through my hair and look around.
The idea of Elana in my apartment sends an unexpected jolt through my system.
I quickly try to suppress any stray thoughts that might betray the boundaries I’ve established.
“I understand that this goes beyond what you’ve signed up for.
I just don’t know what else to do. She won’t tell me much about it, but I know the guy’s been following her around, sending her messages, and God knows what else that she’s not telling me.
I just need to know that she’s safe. I’m torn, Adrian.
” Despite saying my name, I feel like he’s no longer talking to me.
I feel like I’m listening in on his internal monologue.
“I might have to reconsider LA, now that I think about it. I don’t think I can leave her alone.
” He coughs, and his tone shifts to a lighter one.
“Hey, don’t worry about it, man. I’ll sleep on it and figure it out. ”
Reconsider LA? Hell, it’s been his dream ever since he started pursuing marketing. He’s been working towards this his entire career. I can’t let him walk away from this. It would crush him, but so will leaving Elana by herself, possibly in danger.
“Ethan, I’ll do it.” There’s silence on the other side of the phone. “Do you hear me? I’m saying yes.” My tone is as measured as I can manage. I know he heard me, but I want him to know I’m serious. “And don’t ask me if I’m sure. You know I wouldn’t say it otherwise.”
“I don’t know how to thank you, brother,” he finally says, the relief clear in his voice. He’s genuinely worried about her, and I can’t ignore that.
“By going to LA and making this worth it,” I respond, a mix of hesitation and acceptance in my voice. “Go show them how it’s done.”
Ethan then utters a simple, “Elana,” signaling that she’s overheard our conversation. Well, let’s see how well she handles it.
Ethan clears his throat. “I’ll call you back,” he says before hanging up abruptly.
I’m left alone, the quiet of my apartment amplifying the internal chaos.
Hell. As my eyes scan the familiar space, I can’t escape the vivid image of Elana’s presence in every corner.
I shut my eyes abruptly. I always figured Elana would grow up to be…
decent-looking, but why the hell does she have to throw a wrench into things by being downright—downright stunning, making me imagine her lips around my cock?
What the fuck is she doing to me? The damn self-control I’ve carefully honed over the years now teeters on the edge of collapse at the mere thought of her.
Why in the hell is this clumsy, chaotic girl occupying my thoughts when I’m surrounded by beautiful women daily?
Hell, I’ve fucked more women than I can keep track of, so why the hell is she so irresistible?
Ethan’s fucking sister. Controlling myself around her at Morgan Investments was already going to be a daunting task, and now, the prospect of her living with me magnifies the challenge to an unbearable level.
A small, cynical smile creeps onto my lips. If only Ethan knew the real challenge wouldn’t be protecting Elana from an adolescent boy; it would be keeping her safe from the godforsaken thoughts brewing within my own mind.
I walk to the kitchen to pour myself a glass of wine.
I need a distraction. Anything. I remember Victoria asking me about the exhibition tonight.
I said I wouldn’t go, but I can’t stay here.
I contemplate calling Ethan, but he’s probably arguing with Elana about her moving in with me—or not?
I don’t know her enough to know how she might have reacted to the news.
I know myself well enough to know that I can’t stay here another second.
The exhibition is going to be a bore, but there are some people in attendance that I’d like to talk to.
As I approach the entrance, already having talked to a couple of people outside, I spot the hostess. And she has definitely spotted me. She smiles, and her eyes skim over my body.
Not so subtle, Ms. Sparkly Dress.
“Good evening, Mr. Morgan. We’re glad you could make it,” she tells me and looks down, probably ticking my name off the guestlist. I address her with a nod and make my way inside.
“Mr. Morgan!” I hear my name from behind me and turn to look at the curator.
She’s the daughter of one of my partners.
Her father owns a restaurant chain, the same one I’d built in the courtyard of Morgan Investments.
He’s a good man and an excellent partner.
“It’s so good to see you! We were so sorry to hear that you’d declined the invitation.
I’m glad you changed your mind.” She beams as she reaches for my forearm. Always so touchy.
“Ms. Larson.” I give her a slow nod. Her eyes glisten as I lift her hand up to my lips.
“I would’ve come sooner if I’d known you were holding your breath for me.
” I shoot her a smile but quickly stop myself.
I’m not here to flirt; I’m here to… What am I doing here?
Definitely not to flirt with the curator.
But it’s too late. She’s taken the bait.
“I would host exhibitions every day if it would give me the pleasure of your company.” She’s all smiles, fuck-me eyes, and long legs.
On any given night, I might have lingered, enjoyed the exhibition a bit longer, and taken her to my apartment.
But not tonight. Tonight, it seems the only woman I desire to take home is the one I’m forbidden to have and, oddly enough, the one who will be moving into my apartment in just a week. The irony is not lost on me.
“Wouldn’t want you to run out of paintings to exhibit.” My tone has changed, and I know she’s sensed it, judging by the look on her face. “I apologize, Ms. Larson, would you excuse me for a moment?”
“Yes, of course.” She’s definitely sensed my change of heart. Her shoulders sag a bit, and I almost want to stay… almost. I take her hand and bring it to my lips again with a smile, leaving a little window open if I do eventually decide to strike.
Thirty minutes and a whiskey later, I’ve caught up with more people than I’m in the mood for. Just when I think I might get away with not seeing Victoria tonight, her perfume fills my nostrils, and I feel a hand on my elbow.
“Adrian?” I turn to look at her. “People mentioned seeing you here, but I didn’t believe them.”
“Sorry to disappoint.” I cock my head to the side and ease out of her grip.
“I’m happy you decided to come.” She looks around, checking who’s nearby before half-whispering. “Frank is here. He seems pissed you hung up on him this morning.”
“Who the fuck invited him?” I quickly scan the area. He’ll definitely try to corner me and tell me about yet another one of his amazing ideas to make me file for bankruptcy.
“He’s here with his wife and son.” Victoria raises a brow. “His wife is the one who got invited, and she brought them all.”
I roll my eyes. A family meeting—just what I need. “Great, another happy family reunion. I’m sure he’ll tell me all about how he wants to turn my investments into the next theme park sensation.”
“Play nice, Adrian. Maybe he’s here to genuinely enjoy some art.
” She glances over at the exhibition. “I must say, it’s impressive.
The curator really outdid herself this time.
” I follow her eyes, which land on Mia Larson.
She catches my gaze and waves with a shy smile.
I see Victoria smirk from the corner of my eye. “She’s beautiful, isn’t she?”
“Hmm,” I respond noncommittally. The last thing I want to do is discuss this with Victoria. “I’m going to get another drink. Do you want anything?”
“I’m okay, thank you.” She shakes her head with a small smile. “I’ll go see if Ryan has already left.”
“Ryan’s here?” I turn my head back to face her.
Ryan’s the head of our financial department and is exceptionally fast and efficient, just as high-spirited.
Sometimes, I wonder if it’s his perpetual positivity that tempts me to throw an occasional punch at his ever-smiling face, or perhaps I envied his unwavering optimism, and that envy manifested as aggression.
Either way, I value him, and he is precisely the person I’m seeking to speak to tonight.
Victoria nods, and I excuse myself to go find him.
I navigate through the maze of paintings and sculptures, avoiding any prolonged eye contact with other attendees.
I’m not here to make small talk. A couple of minutes and a few avoided conversations later, I finally find him at the bar.
I raise my hand to the bartender, letting him know I’d like another drink, and he nods.
As I approach Ryan, he turns and greets me with a warm smile.
“Mr. Morgan, great to see you here. Victoria mentioned you weren’t coming. I’m glad you changed your mind.”
I reply, returning his smile. “I’m glad I came. This exhibition is quite impressive.” That’s a lie. I couldn’t care less about it.
“It is quite good.” He nods, leaning against the bar to look around. I scoff. Liar.
“Impressive or not, I could use a distraction.” I lean against the bar with him, scanning the room for any sign of Frank and his so-called family.
“I also need a favor.” His eyes shoot up at me in surprise.
I ignore his reaction and turn to face the bartender, who’s handing me another whiskey on the rocks.
“I’ll do my best to help, sir,” Ryan says after a moment. I don’t ask for favors, so I’m sure a thousand possibilities are going through his mind right now.
“We’ll be getting a new intern on Monday. She’s my…” Your nothing; get it together. “She’s the sister of a close friend. I need someone to show her around, guide her a bit.” I watch his reaction.
“You can count on me, Mr. Morgan.” His eyes light up with genuine interest. “I’ll be happy to help her settle in, show her the ropes,” he says with a smile. Oh, you won’t be showing her any fucking ropes. The thought makes me wonder… is she into that? I quickly shake it off and take a sip.
“She needs someone patient and,” I pause and look at him, “friendly to help her.” I already regret this. But as much as I don’t want Elana in the company of a male employee, I can’t afford to babysit her at all times, and leaving Elana in Victoria’s claws is out of the question.
An hour later, I’ve had more than enough of this exhibition. I’ve already said my goodbyes and have started heading towards the door to make my exit. As I navigate through the crowd, I notice Frank approaching with his wife and son in tow. Fuck. I’m absolutely not in the mood for this.
Frank, with his perpetually disheveled hair and a slightly too-tight suit that screams desperation, spots me and grins like we’re old pals.
I suppress a curse. He maneuvers his way through the crowd, dragging along a woman who looks both uncomfortable and impeccably dressed.
This must be his wife. As they get closer, I see Frank’s wide smile that’s barely hiding a sense of entitlement.
“Adrian!” Frank booms, extending his hand. I shake it with forced civility.
“Frank,” I acknowledge. His palm is sweaty, and I fight the urge to yank my hand free to wipe it on my suit.
“I’ve been looking for you all night. There were rumors you were here, but I couldn’t find you. Avoiding me?” He gives me a forced laugh that ends in an awkward cough when I don’t join in. “Right. And this is my lovely wife, Emma,” Frank introduces us, and I nod politely.
“Good evening.” Emma gives me a tight smile, clearly unimpressed by the lavish event.
“And here’s our pride and joy.” Frank gestures to the young man beside him, whose expression suggests he’d rather be anywhere else. His son. “This is Carson.”